DepEd ELLNA 2025: Everything Filipino Parents and Teachers Should Know

Education in the Philippines continues to evolve to meet the needs of learners in the K to 12 system. This November 2025, the Department of Education (DepEd) will administer the Early Language, Literacy, and Numeracy Assessment (ELLNA) for all Grade 4 public school students. But what exactly is ELLNA, why does it matter, and how will it impact learners and educators? Let’s break it down.

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What is ELLNA?

The Early Language, Literacy, and Numeracy Assessment (ELLNA) is a national test conducted by DepEd to measure the proficiency of learners at the end of Key Stage 1 (Grades 1 to 3).

ELLNA focuses on three core areas:

• Language – English and Filipino communication skills
• Literacy – Reading comprehension and writing fundamentals
• Numeracy – Basic math skills, assessed in English

This assessment ensures that learners have mastered foundational skills before moving on to higher grade levels.

Click here to read DepEd Memo No. 87, Series 2025.

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Why is ELLNA Important for Filipino Learners?

1. Checks Readiness for Higher Grades
   By Grade 4, students are expected to transition from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.” ELLNA helps identify if learners are ready for more advanced subjects.

2. Improves Teaching and Curriculum
   Results from ELLNA guide teachers, school heads, and policymakers in adjusting lesson plans and teaching methods to better support learners.

3. Supports Education Quality Monitoring
   DepEd uses ELLNA to evaluate the overall effectiveness of education delivery in public schools nationwide.

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Key Details for School Year 2025–2026

• Testing Dates: November 3–7, 2025
• Who Will Take the Test: All Grade 4 learners in public elementary schools
• Format: Paper-based, multiple-choice questions
• Languages Used:
  • English and Filipino for language and literacy
  • English only for numeracy

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What Parents and Teachers Should Expect

1. Orientation and Guidelines

DepEd, through the Bureau of Education Assessment (BEA), will conduct orientations for regional and division testing coordinators to ensure smooth test administration.

2. Learners with Disabilities

Students with special needs can also participate, provided accommodations are in place based on DepEd Order No. 55, s. 2016.

3. Safe Testing Protocols

Health and safety measures will be observed during test administration to safeguard students and teachers.

4. Delivery of Test Materials

Authorized forwarders will handle the secure transport of test papers to and from division offices.

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How Parents Can Support Their Children

• Encourage daily reading in both English and Filipino.
• Practice basic math problems at home.
• Maintain a healthy routine to reduce test anxiety.
• Communicate with teachers about areas where your child may need extra support.

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Conclusion: ELLNA as a Building Block for the Future

The upcoming ELLNA 2025 is more than just a test—it’s a way to strengthen the foundations of learning for Filipino children. With cooperation among DepEd, schools, teachers, and parents, learners can be better prepared not just for higher grade levels, but for lifelong education success.

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FAQs About ELLNA

Q: Is ELLNA only for public schools?
Yes, ELLNA is administered nationwide in public elementary schools for Grade 4 learners.

Q: Will the test affect student promotion?
No. ELLNA is for assessment and monitoring purposes, not for passing or failing.

Q: Can private schools also use ELLNA?
Private schools are not required but may adapt similar assessments to track student progress.

RA 11168: Home Economics Graduates Can Now Teach in Philippine Schools

Ever wondered why some of your teachers were experts in food, fashion, or design even if they weren’t education majors? Thanks to RA 11168, this is now officially possible. The law gives Home Economics graduates the opportunity to teach their field of expertise in schools across the Philippines.

What Is RA 11168 All About?

RA 11168, or the “Act Allowing Home Economics Graduates to Teach Home Economics Subjects,” is a law that opens teaching opportunities to graduates of Home Economics and related fields. This means that people with degrees in culinary arts, clothing technology, hotel and restaurant management, and other allied courses can now teach in both public and private schools.

This move was made to address the shortage of licensed teachers in specialized subjects while still ensuring students get quality education from professionals in their fields.

Why This Law Matters

The implementation of RA 11168 has several benefits for both teachers and students:

• More teachers for specialized subjects – Schools won’t have to struggle finding qualified educators in Home Economics-related areas.

• Practical knowledge transfer – Students will learn directly from professionals trained in real-world skills.

• Expanded career opportunities – Non-education graduates now have a path to enter the teaching profession.

• Support for K–12 goals – The law aligns with the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, which emphasizes life skills and productivity.

Who Can Teach Under RA 11168?

Not all Home Economics graduates can immediately teach. To qualify, they must meet specific requirements:

• Must be a graduate of a Home Economics or allied program (like Culinary Arts, Interior Design, Food Technology, or Family Life and Child Development).

• Must complete TESDA’s Training Methodology Level 1 certification.

• For those teaching technical-vocational subjects, they must obtain National Certificates I and II (NC I & NC II).

• Must pass the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) within five years of hiring if they start as provisional teachers.

Interesting Facts About the Law

• The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 11168 took effect on November 18, 2024, after being published in the Official Gazette.

• Provisional teachers hired under this law are officially appointed as Teacher I in DepEd.

• The law was created in consultation with CHED, TESDA, and PRC to ensure proper teacher qualifications.

• It’s a direct response to Section 8 of RA 10533 (K–12 law), which allows specialists in fields with limited licensed teachers to fill in.

Personal Insight

I think this law is a win-win situation. On one hand, students get teachers who are deeply knowledgeable and skilled in their craft. On the other, it gives talented graduates a chance to share their expertise in a meaningful way. Honestly, if I had a teacher who was a real chef or fashion designer back in high school, I would’ve been even more inspired to learn.

Final Thoughts

RA 11168 is more than just a law—it’s a bridge between academic learning and real-world skills. By allowing Home Economics graduates to teach, it strengthens both the teaching workforce and the future of Filipino learners. What do you think about this new opportunity for non-education graduates to become teachers? Would you have wanted one of your Home Economics classes taught by an industry expert?

Access Here the Guidelines on the Formative Assessment Instructional Resource for the K to 12

 If you’re a Filipino teacher navigating the new Matatag Curriculum, you’ve probably asked yourself: “How can I really track if my students are learning, not just memorizing?” Or maybe you’ve struggled with adjusting your lesson when your learners seem lost halfway through. That’s exactly why the Department of Education (DepEd) has rolled out the Guidelines on the Formative Assessment Instructional Resource for the K to 12.

This resource is designed to support you—teachers of Grades 1, 4, and 7 in English, Mathematics, and Science—by integrating formative assessment seamlessly into your teaching. More than just testing, formative assessment is about using results to adjust instruction immediately so students truly master learning competencies and develop 21st-century skills.

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Why Formative Assessment Matters in the Classroom

Formative assessment isn’t just a buzzword. Research shows it can significantly boost student achievement when applied correctly. Unlike summative assessments that measure learning after the fact, formative assessment:

• Happens before, during, and after instruction.

• Provides real-time feedback for both teachers and learners.

• Ensures learning gaps are addressed right away.

• Encourages students to take ownership of their progress.

In other words, it’s less about “grading” and more about growing.

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Key Features of the Formative Assessment Framework

1. Embedded with Instruction

Assessment tasks are intentionally built into lessons. You don’t stop teaching to assess—the two happen together.

2. Observe Change in Instruction

An assessment is only “formative” if it changes what comes next. If students miss the point, teachers must adjust, reteach, and re-explain differently.

3. Instructional Correctives

Correctives are NOT just repeating the same lesson louder. Instead, they come in three flexible modes aligned with Matatag pedagogy:

• Let’s Read: Short, targeted texts for reinforcement.

• Let’s Watch: Visual aids, infographics, or educational videos.

• Let’s Work: Hands-on activities, experiments, or group projects.

These help address diverse learning needs without making students feel left behind.

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How Assessments Are Structured

The resource introduces a three-round assessment cycle that ensures progress tracking:

1. First Round – Pre-Assessment

   • Checks baseline knowledge.

   • Helps identify misconceptions early.

2. Second Round – Progress Check

   • Shows improvement or persistent challenges.

   • Triggers instructional correctives.

3. Third Round – Mastery Check

   • Ensures learning competencies are achieved.

   • Confirms that correctives were effective.

Types of Assessments

• Written Assessments: Multiple choice, matching, true/false, identification—great for quick checks.

• Performance-Based Assessments: Essays, experiments, speeches, or projects—ideal for applying knowledge in real-world contexts.

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Empowering Learners Through Progress Tracking

One of the most powerful parts of the guidelines is the Learners’ Progress Chart. This tool makes students active participants in their own learning.

Students can:

• Record their scores across the three rounds.

• Reflect on their strengths and weaknesses.

• Set goals and plan strategies for improvement.

• Collaborate with teachers for support.

This practice builds self-regulated learning skills such as memory strategies, self-evaluation, and knowing when to seek help.

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Why This Matters for You as a Teacher

Teaching today is not just about delivering lessons—it’s about guiding learners to become independent thinkers and lifelong learners. With these guidelines, you’ll:

• Gain structured support for formative assessment.

• Save time designing corrective activities since ready-made modes are provided.

• See clearer evidence of student growth.

• Feel more confident that your instruction is hitting the mark.

Ultimately, the resource ensures that no student gets left behind in the Matatag Curriculum.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE GUIDELINES ON THE FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT

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Conclusion & Call-to-Action

Formative assessment isn’t extra work—it’s smarter teaching. By embedding assessments, applying correctives, and tracking learner progress, you’re not just checking boxes; you’re transforming learning outcomes.

👉 Teachers, it’s time to embrace the Formative Assessment Instructional Resource as your ally in building classrooms where students not only learn but thrive.

Have you tried using formative assessments in your lessons already? Share your experiences in the comments below and let’s start a meaningful conversation on improving classroom practice!